Linotype-machine



m Model.)

J. w. PHELPS.

LINOTYPE MACHINE.

N0. 554,790. Patented Feb. 18, 1896.

ra'rns NlTE JAMES WVILLIAM PHELPS, OF TROY, NEW YORK.

LlNOTYPE-MACHINE.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 554,790, dated February 18, 1896.

Application filed January 18, 1893. erial No. 458,831- (No model.)

To all whom, it may concern:

Be it known that I, J AMES WILLIAM PHELPS, of Troy, county of Rensselaer, and State of New York, have invented a new and useful Improvement in Linotype-Machines, of which the following is a specification.

My invention has reference to expansible spaces such as are used for extending composed lines of type-matrices against which the linotypes or type-bars are cast. In the well-known Mergenthaler linotype, for which my device is more especially intended, it is the practice to assemble a line of matrices representing individual characters to appear in a line of print between two jaws or abutments, andto employ in the line Where spaces are to occur expansible spacing devices by which the line is elongated or justified to the predetermined length, these spaces serving also to co-operate with the matrices in closing the face of the mold into which the molten metal is delivered to form the linotype. Heretofore these spaces have generally consisted each of two oppositely-tapered wedges connected bya sliding joint, and so arranged that when the wedge was locked fast in the line the outer and longer wedge was moved endwise to increase the width of the spaces in the line; but in practice it is found that the molten metal being delivered repeatedly against the same spot on the stationary wedge has a tendency to corrode the same and to accumulate thereon in a manner which causes injury to the matrices when the space is used in succeeding lines. My invention is designed to overcome this difficulty; and it consists essentially in a space composed of an intermediate wedge which remains fixed in the line and a split or double wedge which embraces or straddles the center body, and which is movable through the line to effect justification, its two outer surfaces sliding against the adjacent matrices. Under this construction the molten metal is cast against the outer edges of the space at dilferent points. This fact, coupled with the fact that the outer snrfaces of the space slide against and in contact with the matrices during justification, keeps the surfaces of both space and matrices clean and free from type-metal.

: lower ends.

In the accompanying drawings, Figure 1 represents a perspective view of my space in a form adapted for use in the linotype. Fig. 2 is a front view of the same on an enlarged scale in slightly-modified form, the external and longer wedge being in this instance divided on a line parallel with one of its surfaces, instead of being divided through the center, as in Fig. 1. Fig. 3 is a cross-section on the line 3 3. Fig. 4 is a vertical crosssection illustrating the manner in which the space is used in front of the mold. Fig. 5 is a front elevation showing the spaces as used in a composed line of matrices in front of the mold.

Referring to Figs. 1, 2, and 3, A represents the short intermediate wedge provided at its upper end with ears by which the entire space is sustained while traveling to and from its place in front of the mold, these cars serving also to hold the said intermediate wedge stationary in the line during the justification.

B represents the outer or movable wedge split or divided longitudinally from the upper end downward in such manner as to admit the insertion of wedge A. This outer wedge may be made in one piece, but is commonly constructed, as shown, of two parts or wedges riveted or otherwise united at their The inner and outer wedges are connected by a sliding joint of any character which will admit of the outer and longer wedge moving endwise through the line while the other member is at rest. I commonly provide the slide A, as shown in Fig. 3, with a dovetailed projection a, fittinginto a corresponding slot or groove in part B.

When in use the wedges are held at suitable points in the composed line of type-matrices O, which line is spaced, by a mechanism well known in the art, between two jaws or abutments D. The cars of part A are engaged by a supporting yoke or holder E, .by which it is held from rising. By a mechanism of any suitable character-such, for instance, as a rising-and -falling plate F as that commonly used in the Mergenthaler linotypethe members B, hanging normally in their lowest position, are thrust upward through the line past the two sides of the stationary wedges and in contact with the adjacent matrices, which are also held against a vertical motion, as usual.

The essential feature of my invention consists in an expansible space having wedgcshaped members the outer and bearing surfaces of which move past and in contact with the adjacent matrices during the act of justification, but the details may be modified at will.

It is obviously immaterial whether the two outer parts 3 are both wedges, as shown in Fig. 1, or whether one is a wedge and the other of uniform or practically uniform thickness from one end to the other, as shown in Fig. 2.

It will be observed that my spacer has two essential features or characteristics: first, it is expansible or capable of being increased in thickness at the operative point, and, second, its outer surfaces are arranged to slide in contact with the two matrices between which the space is seated.-

I believe myself to be the first to produce an expansible space-that is to say, a space composed of wedge-shaped members which may be increased in. thickness in the line in such manner that its two outer surfaces in the act of expansion slide against the adjacent matrices, and this I claim in any mechanical equivalent of that herein shown.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim is 1. An expansible spacing device consisting of an intermediate wedge provided with means for holding the same at rest in the line and an outer wedge divided or split to embrace the first-named wedge and to slide between its two sides and the matrices or type to be justilied, substantially as described.

2. A spacing device consisting of a center immovable wedge and an outer and divided wedge, adapted to slide between the two sides of the center wedge and the matrices to be justified, the two connected by a sliding joint.

3. In a linotype-machine and in combination with matrices and means for supporting the same in line a spacing member and means for holding the same immovable in the line and a second spacing member 01": wedge form arranged to cover the two sides of the firstnamed member and to slide between its two sides and the adjacent matrices.

4. In a linotype-maehine and in combination with a line of matrices and means for supporting the same, an expansihle device, consisting of outer and inner members longitudinally movable in relation to each other, both of the outer surfaces being movable through the line in contact with the adjacent matrices to effect the j ustification.

5. A space composed of wed ge-shaped members arranged to slide endwise in relation to one another for the purpose of expanding or increasing the thickness in the line, said space having its two outer surfaces arranged to slide in contact with the adjacent matrices.

In testimony whereof I hereunto set my hand, this 13th day of January, 1893, in the presence of two attesting witnesses.

JAMES \VILLIAM PHELPS.

Witnesses:

THOMAS J. MOONEY, J OHN W. RonnY. 

